November 18, 2002

UNI's aphasia clinic helps post-stroke recovery

As Iowa's population ages, more and more residents are at risk for strokes. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 750,000 people have strokes in the United States each year, with the incidence rate increasing dramatically with age. Many stroke victims suffer from some type of aphasia, a speech and language disorder that results in difficulty talking and comprehending spoken language.

The University of Northern Iowa's Communicative Disorders department offers therapy and support for those with aphasia. Student clinicians, supervised by faculty members in the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic, provide therapy to improve patients' oral and written expression. Memory and problem-solving skills also are addressed. An aphasia therapy group meets once a week to provide communication therapy, social support and family counseling. The clinic serves a wide range of ages, and is open to the public.

For more information on the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic or aphasia, call (319) 273-2576.